UK lawyers have demanded withdrawal of Dr Afia’s Case

UK lawyers have demanded withdrawal of Dr Afia’s Case declaring the conviction

unsafe and has demanded for a public enquiry on Dr Afia’s treatment from US President

APL ( Association of Pakistani Lawyers), a team of Pakistani origin lawyers, Solicitors, Barristers, Judges in UK, held an emergency session of its executive and in their 6 February 2010 communiqué addressed to Barrack Obama, The President of USA and Foreign Secretary, Senator Hillary Clinton Has demanded that Govt. of United States must consider withdrawing charges against Dr Afia Siddiqui and her repatriation to Pakistan forthwith.

APL Chair, Barrister Amjad Malik referred to their earlier letter to President Obama where they welcomed his election and wrote “America needs to offer hope to the community of nation and revitalize its efforts to jointly consult with the world if it ever desire to come closer to victory on its drive against extremism. No doubt, 9/11 was the most tragic and most condemnable attack on civilization by criminals and proportionate use of force, revival of United Nations role, protecting the sovereignty of independent nations, joint intelligence sharing mechanism and collective wisdom is the key to defeat this menace”.

He said , In this light of the above we have a cause to write to you on behalf of the Pakistani & Muslim community on the issue of Dr Afia Siddiqui’s Conviction which may result in a stumbling block between US-Pak people to people contact and relations between two states. Dr Afia was kidnapped and kept at Bagram Airfield without the aid of a lawyer, doctor and or consulate access for years and her being a female, Muslim women that has the potential to charge the mood of the public.

Mr. Malik wrote, USA is already making efforts to bridge the gap between the people of Pakistan and US Administration and Dr. Afia’s conviction will wipe out all efforts and this decision seems to have dictated through fears than the facts and law. Dr Afia is demonized as ‘Al-Qaeda’ lady or in official circles as ‘the grey lady of Bagram’ without substance of her association or affiliation as Association with Al-Qaeda itself is a criminal offence and that avenue has not been pursued. Under the circumstances she may never get a fair trial from the jury due to 9/11 as in built prejudice against the perpetrators of the 9/11 makes it impossible to allow a fair hearing against anyone who is allegedly portrayed by media or through whisper campaign to be an associate of that outfit no matter how much it is denied. Though, we agree that USA has failed to prove or at least bring it open the limits of her engagements

Chair of APL proposed 5 resolutions of demands:

“Resolution of Demand:

1. Govt of United States must consider withdrawing charges against Dr Afia Siddiqui and her repatriation to Pakistan forthwith; or

2. Govt of United States must consider Presidential pardon for Dr Afia Siddiqui as she has been missing and or confined allegedly since 2003 and there is no account of her missing time in Bagram airfield and her conviction is unsafe considering the state of mind and or issues of serious allegation(s) of torture and maltreatment; or

3. Govt of United States must consider appealing this decision as it is unsafe as post 9/11 putting people of New York in a position of jurors to find a question of guilty/not guilty of a person who is highly publicised as allegedly associated with internationally notorious outfit (AL-Qaeda) is unreasonable and rules of natural justice and norms of Art.6 of the European Convention on Human Rights 1950 has not been met. looking at the case of Brown v Board of Education, 347 US 483 (1954) where so rightly Supreme Court gave decision against segregation of white and Black children in the public state school solely on the basis of race because that segregation was against the principle of equal protection of law guaranteeing Fourteenth Amendment, at this juncture based on the past knowledge, I am sure, USA can ensure justice with Muslim minorities (its a test case in that scenario); There is overwhelming evidence of making this conviction unsafe i.e lack of DNA / finger prints evidence of her linking to the rifle, her unlawful presence at Bagram as the account of her arrest is not credible, discrepancies between the accounts of Interpreter, and other two witnesses, and no empty shells of the bullets fired were presented at court all makes the conviction unsafe; and these questions must be put to rest which questions the prosperity of US criminal justice system to be fair to Muslims post 9/11 as is the case in UK where many convictions were overturned by superior courts declaring them unsafe and excessive;

4. Govt of United States must consider prisoner exchange with the Govt of Pakistan as in the past many prisoners from Pakistan has been shifted to USA without judicial oversight, on the similar approach Dr Afia Siddiqui must be returned to Pakistan to remain in Pakistani custody whilst the issue of her case (withdrawal/appeal and or pardon) are considered at home in USA as she has already spent many years in confinement and her return would ease her sufferings and will avoid hampering United States effort to increase people to people contact and efforts to winning the hearts and minds of the Pakistani people.

5. Govt of United States must consider setting up a commission to adjudicate the questions of true facts surrounding Dr Afia’s arrest, allegations of torture and mal treatment at Bagram airfield, and the issue of extra judicial and extra territorial confinement and imprisonment at Bagram where there are allegations that CIA paid huge monies to Pak officials for making successful arrests and Gen. Musharraf accepted that fact in his book, (in the line of fire). Dr Afia is a female, Muslim lady from Pakistan who is a highly educated (PhD from Brandeis University 2001) and has been either bought via CIA and or arrested in dubious circumstances at Pakistan and or Afghanistan; she has been strip searched, allegedly maltreated, interrogated mostly without lawyers , proper examination of a female doctor, and or consulate access at Afghanistan and has been shifted to USA without her consent. How come she was shown to be at Bagram in 2008 when people had knowledge of her whereabouts as prisoner no 650 prior to that date makes it desirable to settle the facts once for all to ease the people of Pakistan as this is the kind of material if remain uncertain acts as prima facie fodder for radicalisation which needs to be put at rest through proper enquiry. Incidents like Abu Gharib force APL to say that the allegation of such nature may not be easily refuted without an independent oversight or an enquiry”.

“We hope our representations are given due weight in the interest of public in order to promote rule of law, justice and true accountability of the forces and in order to fill the gaps between ancient civilizations who are at a crossroad to mend fences and be friends”, expected Barrister Amjad Malik.

The Presidential Correspondence Team on 6 Feb has responded as following, “Dear Friend,Thank you for your message. On behalf of President Obama, we appreciate hearing from you. The President has promised the most transparent administration in history, and we are committed to listening to and responding to you”.

Warid telecom pakistan is not being sold off

Recently there have been misplaced news items in certain section of the press that warid telecom pakistan may be up for sale because of the shrinking interest of the sponsors relating to the market conditions in pakistan.

Warid telecom pakistan categorically and unequivocally denies such reports and impressions. Warid telecom pakistan is not being sold off rather is on course with its expansion plans with the continuing focused view to extend quality services to its loyal customers to whom it is deeply grateful.

Warid telecom pakistan also extends sincere thanks to its business partners for their support and professional contribution.

Bashir Tahir

Breaking News Several casualties feared in Karachi blast

Several people were killed and injured when a powerful explosion occurred in a public vehicle plying on Sharah-e-Faisal of Karachi, media reported Friday.

According to Geo News, the blast occurred in a mini bus near Nursery stop towards FTC.

The ambulances have been dispatched towards the blast site. The ambulances are being shifted to the hospitals.

Police and other rescue workers have arrived on the spot. The road leading to Saddar has been blocked and the blast site has been cordoned off

Dr. Aafia guilty of murder attempt

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui has been proven guilty by American court and all the allegations on Aafia have been proved.
The federal district court in New York under the Judge Richard Berman and 11 other members of the jury conducted the hearing on the case for twelve days. Eight woman were members of the jury.
The biggest allegation against her was attempting to murder US agents with an army rifle and shot at the US agents while she was detained for questioning in Afghanistan. None of the Americans was injured but Aafia, was shot. Nine witnesses were presented to the jury of whom six were present in the room at the time of shooting. American army captain Schneider and Afghan national police officer Bahsir were present during the case.
A lawyer fighting her case said that Aafia would appeal for a review of the verdict since the decision was unfair. He also said that there was no allegation on Aafia being linked to any act of terrorism however the jury tried to establish a connection between Aafia and terrorist organization.
Aafia reacted violently to the verdict and said that the American system of justice is not fair. She said that the decision has been taken by Israel.

Emotions will not help the case, says Dr. Aslam
Speaking to Dunya News American journalist Dr Aslam Abdullah said that Dr Aafia’s supporter should control their emotions. Emotions will not help the case. Pakistan government will not take any action. The government has sold the country and it is due to the criminal negligence of the government that today Pakistan is confronting so many challenges.
Aslam also said that he has expectations from Human right groups. However the human rights groups cannot influence on the decision but can contribute positively towards the review of the case. Support for terrorism by some groups in Pakistan has been a factor that Aafia has been proven guilty.
Aslam aslo pointed that “No one spoke clearly on Aafia and sketchy details were presented regarding her family and her education”.
Aslam said the Pakistani government will not do anything to help in the review of the case. He said that he cannot make any comments on how to prove Aafia’s innocence since he is not a lawyer or a politician.

We will not ask for mercy from Non Muslims, says Fauzia Siddiqui
Dr Fauzia siddiqui said to the media that “We are agreeing with the will of the Allah”. “Allah wanted to show to the world that American justice system is weak and corrupt”. She said that “This is the beginning of the end for America”. Fauzia said that Government lawyer did not contacted her since the verdict has been announced. She said that “We prayed to Allah and thanked him.”
Answering to a question she said that “I would have been satisfied by the government efforts if Aafia would have been here standing next to me since she is not here so I am not satisfied with the government.” She also said that we continue our fight. Our morale is high. Dr. Fauzia was refered to several Quran verses.

I am thankful to the media, says Aafia’s mother
Aafia mother was smiling. She said that she is very happy and proud on the role of the media, she is also happy that her daughter has been chosen to slap on face of America. She claimed that “Today would mark the beginning of American downfall”. Aafia’s requested all to stay calm and said not to protest on the roads and appealed not to cause any damage to public or private property. Although the world may assume that we would be in a somber mood but I have attained new strength after this decision.
She repeatedly said that “Write my words that the decline of America starts today”. I knew the decision in advance. She also said that “If the government would have acted responsibly then we would have not seen this day.”
Aafia’s mother also said that “I am thankful to the entire nation.” “I have trained Aafia that she would never lose hope or faith”. Aafia will never bow to the non Muslim demands. She accused Hussain Hakkani of making fake claims on Aafia’s return. She said that Allah would take revenge from Shah Mahmood. She also said that “We would not ask for mercy from non Muslims”.

Failure of foreign policy to be blamed, says Talha Mahmood
Senator Talha Mahmood said that only foreign policy is to be blamed. He said that “I do not think its not a good message from America. Demands of justice have not been full filled. Highest form delegations should be sent to USA and present a strict stance to the US government. He said that US and NATO image would not improve. Talha also said that delegations have been formed in the past as well but there were no results. The case has not been politicized entirely but the main flaw was in handling the case. All witnesses have been favoring Aafia but the decision was pre decided. Trial was just a fake show. The world has witnessed the poor American justice. Hakkani did not take up the issue seriously and I cannot comment as to what he did. Pak has made big sacrifices and no one has given these sacrifices. The nation would not accept this gift of the America.

New Ovi Maps with free navigation races past 1 million downloads in a week

ESPOO, 3rd February, 2010 – Nokia has today announced that since the launch of the new version of Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation, on Thursday 21 January 2010, there have been over 1.2 million downloads with over 20% coming from China.

“We’re averaging a download a second, 24 hours a day,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia. “When we announced free walk & drive navigation we knew it would be a game-changer. The number of people now using their Nokia for navigation, and as a result looking for more location-aware software, is growing faster than even we predicted.”

The success of the new version Ovi Maps is a key part of Nokia’s strategy to lead the market in mobile maps, navigation and location-based services. By leveraging its investment in NAVTEQ, Nokia has been able to remove the costs associated with navigation for drivers and pedestrians and is quickly activating a massive user base to which it can offer new location features, content and services.

“This is great news for our 3rd party application developers. Within a matter of days there is an installed base of more than 1 million active users all potentially hungry for new and innovative location-aware apps,” continued Anssi Vanjoki. “For the operators too there is a growing opportunity to sell more data-plans and a complete navigation package to existing and new customers.”

As of 31 January 2010 the top five countries downloading the new version of Ovi Maps were: China, Italy, UK, Germany , Spain . The top five most popular Nokia devices installing the download where: Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia N97 , Nokia 5230 and E72.

According to research firm Canalys, the number of people worldwide using GPS navigation on their mobile phones was approximately 27 million at the end of 2009. By the end of February 2010 Nokia estimates that it will have already grown this installed by almost 8% and it expects to grow it further as more smartphones are added to the compatible devices list and it’s marketing campaigns kick-off around the world.

From next month all new Nokia GPS-enabled smartphones will include the new version of Ovi Maps, pre-loaded with local country map data, with high-end walk and drive navigation and access to Lonely Planet and Michelin travel guides at no extra cost.

Ovi Maps covers more than 180 countries with car and pedestrian navigation for 74 countries, in 46 languages, and traffic information for more than 10 countries. There are over 6000 3D landmarks for 200 cities around the world. Lonely Planet and Michelin guides have information on more than 1,000 destinations globally.

India can’t impose war: Mushahid

LAHORE: PML-Q Secretary-General Mushahid Husain Syed has stressed that there is an urgent need to initiate the process of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India for the resolution of all problems, including Kashmir, and to maintain long lasting peace in South East Asia.

Speaking at a seminar on “Pak-India Relations in Changing Scenario” at the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), Punjab University, on Monday, he said Pakistan and India were the only two nuclear armed neighbouring countries that had an outstanding controversial dispute like Kashmir.

He said the path to a durable peace in the region lay in settling the Kashmir issue in the light of UN resolutions.

Presently, he said, Pakistan and India were evenly-balanced because the supremacy of India in terms of numbers and traditional armaments had ended after Pakistan attained nuclear power status in 1998.

“Neither India can impose war on Pakistan like it did in 1971 nor Pakistan has now any apprehensions of such a war or aggression from any quarter,” he said.

At the most, he said, India could indulge in conspiracies to isolate Pakistan through diplomatic efforts, intervene in Pakistan’s internal affairs by sponsoring acts of terrorism or subject it to water aggression by depriving it of its water share.

Mr Syed said the biggest hurdle in the normalisation of relations between both the countries was the prejudiced Indian behaviour that harboured aggressive designs against Pakistan.

He said three important developments had taken place in the world scenario recently that had made the global situation conducive for Pakistan.

He said the significance of Afghanistan and Pakistan had increased in the US priorities as compared to India.

He said the US had lost war in Afghanistan and was desperately looking for any safe and honourable passage out of the morass. He said the passage for enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan pass through Pakistan.

He said the third important emerging development was the rise of China as an overwhelming political and economic power in the world arena. So, he said, the 21st century belonged to Asia.

He said the US was becoming weaker and weaker with every passing day on account of its worsening economic conditions.

Now, he said, the political and economic leadership could work out a doable strategy in the light of national objectives and goals to seek optimal advantage for Pakistan by exploiting these three emerging favourable developments.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran said the US was looking for a safe and honourable exit from Afghanistan due to sacrifices and historic resistance put up by the valiant people of Afghanistan.

CSAS director Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar also spoke on the occasion.

Kayani spells out terms for regional stability

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said on Monday the success of military operations in the tribal regions have caused substantial decline in cross-border attacks on Nato forces in Afghanistan and warned that it was essential to address Pakistan’s long-term strategic concerns for stability in the region.

In a rare press briefing, General Kayani said it would be a cause of worry for Pakistan if Afghanistan’s projected army developed the potential to take on Pakistan.
“We want a strategic depth in Afghanistan but do not want to control it,” the general said while talking to a group of journalists at the Army General Headquarters.

“A peaceful and friendly Afghanistan can provide Pakistan a strategic depth.” He asked the US and Nato to come out with a clear strategy on Afghanistan.

General Kayani who last week participated in Nato commanders’ conference in Brussels said Pakistan was prepared to train the Afghan National Army which would help improve relations between the two nations. He said he hoped the offer would get a positive response.

“If we get more involved with the ANA (Afghan National Army) there’s more interaction and better understanding,” General Kayani said.

“We have opened all doors … It’s a win-win for Afghanistan, the United States, Isaf and Pakistan,” he said, referring to Nato’s International Security Assistance Force.

He said he believed it would take at least four years to achieve a target of a 140,000-strong Afghan force able to take over security responsibilities.

Pakistan has raised concern over a similar offer by India to train Afghan army, and the issue could become another point of conflict between the two South Asian neighbours.

Pakistan’s offer reflects Islamabad’s rising concern over Indian influence in Afghanistan. “Our strategic paradigm needs to be fully realised,” General Kayani said.

He warned that an environment hostile to Pakistan could strain its battle against militancy and extremism. He said he had conveyed the concerns and constraints of Pakistan to the Nato allies.

“There are some key issues of the conflict that needed to be fully understood and addressed.”

He said there was a need for realisation of Pakistan’s key regional position and its contribution in the war.

General Kayani said more than 140,000 Pakistani troops were now involved in fighting militants in the northwest and deployment along the Afghan border.

He said over the last seven months Pakistani military had launched 209 major and 510 minor operations in 10 regions. He said 2,273 Pakistani army officers and soldiers had been killed in the fighting so far.

General Kayani said that the military operations in South Waziristan and Swat were at present in a transitory phase — from hold to build. “We must consolidate our gains and fully stabilise the area secured lest it fall back to the terrorists,” he said.

He warned against losing sight for future operations. “Public opinion, media support, army’s capability and resolve are fundamental to our war,” he said.

General Kayani rejected the perception that Pakistan did not want to take on the militants in North Waziristan. “There is already one army division deployed there and we have taken action whenever required,” he declared

He said it was important that the military consolidated its hold in South Waziristan and other tribal regions before starting another army offensive.

Last October the army launched a major offensive in South Waziristan which had become the main bastion of Pakistani Taliban movement and Al Qaeda.

More than 30,000 troops have been involved in the operation which is said to be the biggest since Pakistan joined the US war on terror after September 11, 2001.

The troops have cleared most of the region, but there are still pockets of resistance. Many Taliban commanders have taken refuge in neighbouring Waziristan. “We have broken the myth that Waziristan cannot be controlled,” he said.

Pakistan has been facing mounting pressure from the United States to start army operation in North Waziristan which is the base for another Taliban faction.

The US and western intelligence agencies believe the area is also a base of Afghan insurgents led by Sirajuddin Haqqani. Pakistan had signed a peace deal with the Taliban faction in 2006.

General Kayani said Pakistani military’s success in South Waziristan had sent a strong message to the militants operating in North Waziristan and other areas.

“There is, however, no need at this point to start a stream roller operation in North Waziristan.”

The army chief said the large number of casualties suffered by the Pakistani security forces and economic losses had not dented the armed forces’ resolve to fight terrorism and violent extremism. “We will fight and finish the terrorism in our own interest,” General Kayani said.

He said the intelligence sharing and greater cooperation between Pakistani military and US forces had helped improve the situation. “The regular contacts between Pakistani and US military commanders have greatly helped in understanding each others’ position.”